Everybody wants something from 7-Eleven.

At all hours they come, with a sweet tooth or a lonely soul. They want routine: Dark Mountain Roast coffee, two hazelnut creamers and three sugars. They want thirst relief: 52 ounces of lemonade to carry the construction worker till lunch. At night they want something more -- conversation, maybe a little excitement. Choose your diversion. The college students want a break from studying. The late-shift workers want a snack before bed. The "retired pimp" comes to pick up girls. (He strikes out.) The self-labeled hustler tries to sell electric toothbrushes. (Seven so far tonight, he swears.) The visiting Vegas dancer wants beer. (Try up the road, just over the Maryland line.) A rail-thin woman buys four packs of crackers, two Go-Go Taquitos and a breakfast sandwich, then waits 20 minutes for the 2 a.m. delivery of fresh doughnuts. She buys three.

Seven-11

7-Seven: Looking for something cold during the hot summer months?